Marilyn Nechanicky has been in retail for her whole life, and has always loved antiques.

So when the Heart of the Artichoke became available, she saw she could have the best of both worlds.

“We have a mix of old and new here, and that’s the way it is in most people’s homes,” Nechanicky said. “It’s fun to show them how to do it.”

Nechanicky became a partner in the shop on Clark Street 7 1/2 years ago and the sole owner 1 1/2 years ago. The shop itself has been going for 40 years, with a number of shareholders over that time.

Nechanicky said she herself likes to walk from one end of the store to another, just to refresh her memory on all the items she stocks. Many of the items, particularly the crafts, are locally made and for sale on consignment at the shop.

Near the front is a section of items unique to Minnesota. It includes items imprinted with the state name as well as jams and jellies, syrups, wild rice and dip and soup mixes.

“We get a lot of people stopping in here during class reunions, and this section is very popular,” she said.

There’s a Scandinavian section, a lace section, soy candles made in Glenville, Simply Sisters soap products, dipped lightbulbs and the Wedding Star line of accessories, including toasting glasses, cake toppers, guest books and “anything you want to coordinate a wedding,” Nechanicky said.

Toward the center of the shop are the Westmoreland and Fenton lines of glassware. There are miniatures, kits, furniture, doilies, linens and Red Hat Society items. There are antique quilts and new throws.

There are prints by Albert Lea artist Beth Tostenson and photography by Austinite Dustin DeBoer.

There are also porcelain dolls, both old and new in the store.

There’s a section of items, both new and old, that Nechanicky said are more of interest to men. There is also a collection of old tools in the back of the store.

Nechanicky’s favorite part of the store is in the back, where old church cookbooks, kitchen utensils, teapots and cups and saucers are on display.

There are yardsticks for the yardstick collectors, old toys and games and locally made doll furniture.

One woman came into the shop and purchased a Raggedy Ann doll for her daughter. It was made by the same woman who had made her own Raggedy Ann doll years ago. People love those connections, Nechanicky said.

“One of the best things is the people,” she said.

She keeps a comment sheet for people to sign, and it’s not uncommon for people to write that they stop by whenever they are in town.

“They come in here and they enjoy themselves,” Nechanicky said. “It’s a happy experience.”

She loves to hear the stories from people who come back to visit and talk about what things were like when they lived in Albert Lea or had an item just like she has in the store.

“Or they’ll say it reminds them of their grandmother,” Nechanicky said.

Nechanicky grew up in Albert Lea, so the stories mean a lot to her, she said.

She said she gets a lot of help from her husband, Paul, also an Albert Lea native, on the front window of the shop.

“The first impressions are so important,” she said.